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Expeditionary Public Affairs, Multimedia merge

  • Published
  • By Capt. Teresa Sullivan
  • 379th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  In an effort to build a more efficient and effective communications capability, the 379th Expeditionary Communications Squadron's multimedia function will merge with the 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs office, synergizing complimentary capabilities. 

"Whether it's weapons system video being sent back to an Air Operations Center, combat camera imagery used by a war planner, or images given to the news media, strategic communication is a key part of every operation," said Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. T. Michael Moseley in memorandum addressing the merger. "This initiative will significantly enhance our ability to synchronize and integrate our communication efforts."
In the age of the 24-hour news cycle and easy access to information, the communication environment has evolved into a more dynamic and demanding entity requiring the release of real-time information and imagery. By merging the multimedia function with public affairs, it promotes efficiency and allows the career fields to further support operational initiatives. 

Public affairs will continue to focus its efforts on providing trusted council to commanders, the release of timely and accurate information, global deterrence and influence, public trust and support and Airman's morale and readiness, but will do so alongside and along with multimedia's professionals. 

"We've looked forward to this merge with public affairs," said Master Sgt. Kenneth Stephens, 379th Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs multimedia manager and former 379th ECS Airman. "It makes sense for us to work together since we work so closely on a daily basis anyway. The best part is that we have the opportunity to streamline our processes, shed some of the less productive tasks and become more efficient and effective communicators." 

The transition at the 379th AEW may appear to be seamless to the average Airman in the wing, but there are some changes that may affect the general populace. In an effort to focus on the mission, Public Affairs and Multimedia will incorporate some Air Force Smart Operations for the 21st Century initiatives. From now on, the video teleconference responsibility will belong to the 379th ECS versus the multimedia Airmen. Another noticeable change includes eliminating "grip and grin" photos below the wing, group commander or command chief level. Eventually, but not as of yet, the graphics position will be changing, but the wing is dedicated towards ensuring continued graphics capability here as well as some self-help options. 

Public Affairs and multimedia merger planning began last May at the wing and takes effect immediately. The staff will continue to produce the 16-page weekly Desert Eagle, the Desert Eagle Dispatch daily electronic newsletter, Commander's Access Channel, commander's update program, public Web site, news photography, videography, alert photography, news media coordination, squadron commander and above portrait support, and graphics support, until changes in that Air Force Specialty Code take place. 

More information will be made available as necessary if changes in graphic support take effect.